Inside This - USEmbassy.gov...Council for Boko Haram, which were approved and took effect on May 22, 2014. These designations prohibit arms sales, freeze assets, restrict movement,

Politicians, business leaders, educators, community activists, and religious leaders, on July 2 and 4, 2015 in Lagos and Abuja, joined Ambassador James F. Entwistle and Consul General Jeffrey Hawkins in commemorating the 239th anniversary of the United States of America.

Ambassador Entwistle lauded the long-standing robust relationship between Americans and Nigerians, and thanked the distinguished guests for their sustained partnership and cooperation on a broad range of shared interests.

CROSSROADS | August - September 2015 Special Edition 2

(continued on page 13)

Americans, Nigerians, Celebrate July Fourth

U.S. Marines security guards display a parade of colors during July Fourth celebrations in Consulate Lagos.

L-r, Senate President Bukola Saraki, HRH the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, Ambassador James Entwistle and wife Pamela Schmoll, and a guest at July Fourth celebration in Abuja.

Award-winning Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie reads excerpts from her new novel "Americanah" in Lagos.


is published bimonthly by the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Nigeria

Address all correspondence to: The Editor, Public Affairs Section,

U.S. Embassy,Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central

Business Area, Abuja, Nigeria. Tel: (09) 461-4000. Fax: 09-461-4305

LAGOS OFFICE: U.S. Consulate General, Public Affairs, 2, Walter Carington Crescent, Lagos

Tel.: +234-703-150-4867/2444 E-mail at: [email protected]

Website at: http://nigeria.usembassy.gov

Facebook.com/usembassynigeria

EDITORIAL TEAM VICTORIA SLOAN

(Country Public Affairs Officer) DEHAB GHEBREAB

(Public Affairs Officer, Lagos)Sean McIntosh

(Information Officer) IDIKA U. ONYUKWU

(Editor)

James F. EntwistleU.S. Ambassador to Nigeria

Dear CROSSROADS readers, First of all, let me say that this edition

of CROSSROADS celebrates our strong partnership with Nigeria. I was in Washington, D.C. in July

to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to our capital. I had the privilege of sitting in on President Buhari’s meetings with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. I was very impressed with the warmth expressed between our leaders. The two presidents seemed to strike a very personal chord with each other. I was also struck by the straightforward discussion between all the parties at all levels during the Nigerian delegation’s rounds of U.S. government meetings. We think this is a special moment in the U.S.-Nigerian relationship. And as a friend and partner, we want to continue to work together with you however we can as the new Nigerian administration develops its policy and program agenda.

I also would like to emphasize that we continue to build on a very solid foundation already laid, as I am often reminded in my daily work as the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria. In so many areas—be it health, education and cultural exchanges, rule of law, economic development, security cooperation—the United States and Nigeria have been doing good things together for decades. I think this history of partnership was at the heart of the warmth expressed during President Buhari’s visit and behind my country’s sincere best wishes for Nigeria’s success. Much of that history of partnership has been captured in this edition of CROSSROADS. I hope you enjoy it. Ambassador James F. Entwistle

Inside This

Am

bas

sad

or's

Not

es

Americans, Nigerians, Celebrate July Fourth .......................................... 2

Working Together: Advancing a Strong U.S.-Nigeria Bond ............... 4

U.S. Efforts Against Boko Haram ................................................................. 5

There Was Never an Arms Embargo on Nigeria .................................... 8

U.S. Assisted Dangote Greenfield Petroleum in 2018 .......................... 9

Power Africa Boosts Nigeria's Energy Sector ........................................ 10

Is Medical Treatment in the U.S. Possible? ..............................................12

Ambassador Entwistle Engages Nigerians on Facebook ................. 14

EducationUSA: Nigerians Get More than $3.5 Scholarships .............15

U.S. Government Reaches Out to Nigerian IDPs ................................. 16

Why All Hands Must be on Deck Against Trafficking in Persons ....19


COVER STORY

Despite the challenges facing the Nigerian people, U.S. President Barack Obama

says Nigeria is an important country in the world and one of the most important countries in all of Africa. U.S. President Obama spoke with Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari on July 20 during a visit to the White House.

President Buhari came into office on May 29 after winning the presidential election in March, which paved the way for the first democratic transfer of power

He observed that President Buhari comes into office with a reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda.

“President Buhari is very concerned about the spread of Boko Haram and the violence that’s taken place there, and the atrocities that they’ve carried out, and has a very

clear agenda in defeating Boko Haram and extremists of all sorts inside of his country. And he has a very clear agenda with respect to rooting out the corruption that too often has held back the economic growth and prosperity of his country.”

President Obama said the United States looks

Working Together:Advancing a Strong U.S.-Nigeria Bond

in Nigeria since the end of military rule in 1999.

President Obama pointed out that the election underscored Nigeria’s affirmation and commitment to democracy, and that through a peaceful political process, change can take place.

By Idika U. Onyukwu CROSSROADS Editor

Members of a U.S. Congressional delegation led by Darrell Issa, (second right), visited President Buhari to discuss bilateral issues.

The United States is assisting the Nigerian government to undertake more concerted,

effective, and responsive actions to ensure the safe return of those kidnapped by Boko Haram, including through on-the-ground technical assistance and expanded intelligence sharing. This support takes many forms, but the goal is singular: to dismantle this murderous group.

Multi-Disciplinary Team• In May 2014, the United States dispatched a multi-disciplinary team to Abuja to advise the Nigerians on how to secure the safe return of those kidnapped, to encourage a comprehensive approach to address insecurity, and to establish capacity to respond more effectively in the future. These officials provide guidance to the Nigerian government on conducting a comprehensive response to Boko Haram that protects civilian populations and respects human rights.• The team includes civilian and

humanitarian experts, U.S. military personnel, law enforcement advisors and investigators as well experts in hostage negotiations, strategic communications, civilian security, and intelligence. The team continues to facilitate and coordinate information sharing and the provision of assistance for survivors and their families.

Expanded Intelligence Sharing• The U.S. government also has provided the Nigerian government with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to aid Nigeria’s efforts to locate the missing girls.

Sanctions against Boko HaramIn recent years, we have helped isolate Boko Haram’s leaders by leveraging our own authority to designate them as terrorists and by encouraging the United Nations to do so as well.

• In June 2012, the State Department designated Boko Haram’s top commanders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1(b)

forward to hearing from Nigeria about areas of cooperation so that Nigeria ends up being an anchor not only of prosperity and stability in the western part of the continent, but can also be an outstanding role model for developing countries around the world.

Some of the major items discussed during President Buhari’s included bilateral security issues and cooperation on counterterrorism measures. Both presidents were in agreement on the importance of rooting out corruption in order to unlock the full potential of the Nigerian economy and ensure stability.

“We’re looking forward to

discussing how we can be helpful in addressing some of the corruption issues that have held Nigeria back, and unleashing the incredible talent of the Nigerian people,” President Obama said. He noted that some of the best businesspeople in the world are from Nigeria, and they thrive as they travel to other countries, but we want to make sure that they’re also helping folks thrive in Nigeria.

President Buhari and President Obama also had the opportunity to discuss other areas where Nigeria has taken leadership—in public health issues, such as fighting epidemics like Ebola. The United States acknowledged Nigeria’s outstanding track record of working to eradicate polio, which presents

U.S. Efforts to Nigerian Government in its Fight against Boko Haram

5CROSSROADS | August - September 2015 Special Edition

A presentation of U.S. excess nonlethal military items to the Nigerian Army in Abuja.

of Executive Order 13224. In June 2013, the State Department added Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram’s official leader, to our Rewards for Justice Program and offered up to $7 million for information leading to his capture.

• In November 2013, the State Department designated Boko Haram and Ansaru, a splinter faction, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224. This designation empowers U.S. law enforcement and the Treasury Department to pursue these violent extremist organizations.

• The United States worked closely with Nigeria to pursue terrorist designations at the UN Security Council for Boko Haram, which were approved and took effect on May 22, 2014. These designations prohibit arms sales, freeze assets, restrict movement, and encourage regional cooperation.

Continued Engagement to Counter Boko HaramThe United States is committed to supporting efforts by Nigeria and its neighbors to combat the threat of Boko Haram more effectively and in a manner that respects human rights through a variety of assistance programs designed to advance regional cooperation, bolster rule of law, and strengthen security institutions.

• President Obama announced Nigeria’s participation in the Security Governance Initiative (SGI) during the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit

a framework and a template to combating other public health issues in West Africa, as well as throughout the subcontinent.

President Obama also reiterated U.S. support for Nigeria’s efforts to not only defeat Boko Haram, but also to invest in the development and creation of a conducive environment for lasting security, stability, and economic prosperity in northern Nigeria.

Before leaving the United States, President Buhari also met with Vice President Joe Biden at the U.S. Naval Observatory. Vice President Biden reiterated the importance the United States places on its relationship with Nigeria as equal partners. He spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing the Nigerian people, and the ways in which the United States and Nigeria working together, can seize these challenges and turn them into great opportunities.

In his response, President Buhari said Nigeria will ever remain grateful to President Obama and the United States for helping Nigeria consolidate its gains on a democratic system.

“We are extremely happy that the United States had made it absolutely clear before the election that they are prepared to help Nigeria in these aspects.”v

6CROSSROADS | August - September 2015 Special Edition

in August 2014. SGI is a new Presidential initiative in which the United States and Nigeria will work to improve security sector institution capacity to protect civilians and confront challenges and threats, with integrity and accountability. To support a longer term focus, SGI involves multi-year funding commitments of increased U.S. support and requires sustained, high-level leadership and commitment by partner countries to pursue policies in support of the agreed upon goals.

• Nigeria is a partner in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership, a U.S. government effort to enhance regional security sector capacity to counter violent extremism, improve country and regional border and customs systems, strengthen financial controls, and build law enforcement and security sector capacity.

• The U.S. State and Defense Departments launched a $40 million Global Security Contingency Fund for Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to counter Boko Haram. The program provides technical expertise, training, and equipment to the four countries to develop institutional and tactical capabilities to enhance their respective efforts to counter Boko Haram, and to lay the groundwork for increased cross-border cooperation to counter Boko Haram.

• We work closely with other international partners, including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, to enable information-sharing, alignment, and coordination on international strategies and programs to counter such threats in the region.

President Buhari and Secretary Kerry


Support to Populations Affected by Boko Haram• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provides trauma counselling to survivors and their families, including those directly affected by the Chibok abduction, through a $4.5 million, five-year (2010-15) program. USAID also recently completed its third training for psycho-social support teams based in Borno—the locus of Boko Haram’s violence. The role of these social workers, health care providers, and other community members is to sensitize communities to prevent stigma against abductees when they return, and to provide psycho-social first aid to girls and their families.

• USAID is starting two new programs that will address critical educational needs for both girls and boys in northern Nigeria. A $20-30 million crisis response program will provide basic education to internally displaced persons and others affected by the violence in the northeast. In addition, a flagship five-year, $120 million program will strengthen education systems so that they can provide greater access and improve reading among primary school children.

• In support of the contributions women make to peace and prosperity, USAID is promoting women in leadership and peace-making through a series of conferences and workshops.

Training exercises in Kano and Sokoto states promoted tolerance across ethnic and religious lines through engagement with influential religious, traditional, and women leaders. Women participants came out with a plan to use “naming ceremonies” (common across most Nigerian cultures) to carry out campaigns against hate speech and electoral violence. Interfaith media dialogues discussed how women and other stakeholders can prevent

electoral violence in the run up to the February 2015 elections and how women can contribute to Nigeria’s political and economic progress.

• USAID is launching the Nigeria Regional Transition Initiative to improve stability and strengthen democratic institutions in northeast Nigeria. The initiative will focus on building the resistance of communities vulnerable to the effects of violent extremist organizations, weak governance, and insecurity through increased positive engagement between government and communities; increased access to credible information; and support to reduce youth vulnerability to

violent extremist influences.

• The State Department supports efforts to facilitate dialogue between local women activists and security-sector personnel and to highlight the role of female law-enforcement officers. State also supports a Hausa-language multi-media platform which includes a free-to-air satellite TV channel designed to serve northern Nigeria. The channel highlights the rich cultural

diversity of northern Nigeria while offering programming with themes that reject political violence and violent extremism. It also includes programming intended to meet the needs of mothers with young children. One show highlights as role models women who have overcome obstacles and now own their own businesses or have obtained higher education. The objective is to show that any girl can grow up to be a strong contributor to her society.

In April 2014, the world was horrified to learn that the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram had abducted approximately 270 girls from their school in Chibok.v


The Adamawa Inter-faith Peace Initiative is committed to peace building in North East Nigeria and helping internally displaced persons regain their lives.


United States Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle said there was never

an arms embargo on Nigeria, dismissing the notion that the United States for a period of time in 2014 pulled back support from Nigeria. He made this clarification in an interview with Channels Television. “There’s been a lot of misunderstanding on this issue before, during, and after President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Washington. Let me be clear about a couple of things. One, we had worked very closely with Nigeria on the Leahy Amendment. Second, we have been steady, consistent partners ever since the Chibok girls were abducted and long before that. There is a lot of stuff kicking around out there that is just unhelpful. This talk about how we have lifted an arms embargo is nonsense. There was never an arms embargo,” Ambassador Entwistle said. Ambassador Entwistle re-emphasized that during President Muhammadu Buhari's excellent visit to Washington, the United States had intense discussions with him about what his plans were and what the United States intends to do to help him as he tries to ramp up even more against Boko Haram. Clarifying the issues surrounding the Leahy Amendment and United States’ relationship with the Nigerian military, Ambassador Entwistle said the Leahy Amendment is no impediment to the United States’ assistance

There Was Never an 'Arms Embargo' On Nigeria - Ambassador Entwistle

programs with the Nigerian military. "We are ready to continue helping the Nigerian military, and that has always been the case. But as we do that, we have to look at the individuals involved—do they have human rights problems? Sometimes, when we are doing Leahy Amendment vetting for

human rights considerations, we come across people who we can't approve—we have to go back and say, can you give us some other candidate?" He said these are things that the United States takes into consideration under the Leahy Amendment, but they don't prevent the United States

from having a very productive military relationship with Nigeria. Ambassador Entwistle said President Buhari's response to the Amnesty International report has been absolutely correct and applauded him for that. President Buhari had said about the Amnesty report, "As

president and a former military man, we take these things very seriously. We will look into them. We will conduct our own investigations." Ambassador Entwistle reiterated that "no partner is doing more than the United States to help Nigeria against Boko Haram. That has been the case for some time now and will continue." v

U.S. Ambassador James F. Entwistle


The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has signed a

training grant agreement with Dangote Oil Refining Company to develop the critical human resources necessary to operate and maintain a Greenfield petroleum refinery, minimizing the impact on the environment. The refinery is expected to come to stream in 2018 and is consistent with the U.S. government’s support for infrastructure development in Nigeria, according to Aliko Dangote, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group.

The refinery is located in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The USTDA grant will fund a multi-year program to train over 100 Dangote company staff on refinery fundamentals.

USTDA Deputy Director Enoh T. Ebong signed the grant agreement along with Mr. Dangote in Lagos.

“USTDA is pleased to support the Dangote Oil Refining Company’s efforts to increase Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity. This program builds upon USTDA’s long history of support for vital infrastructure development in Nigeria,” Ms. Ebong said.

Acting U.S. Consul General Dehab Ghebreab explained that the USTDA’s support for the project

is an example of the strength and depth of the U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship, adding that it will go a long way in laying a ground work for monumental growth in the country.

“I believe that when government

and private sector get together, great things can happen. The U.S. government’s goal is to facilitate transactions that are beneficial to both countries and there is no better example than this project. I am pleased that USTDA could assist here,” Ms. Ghebreab stated.

In his remarks, Mr. Dangote stated that the USTDA grant was consistent with the U.S.

government’s support for infrastructure development in Nigeria, noting that the company was looking forward to the commissioning of the refinery in 2018.

“For such a high-tech project, investment in getting the right quality of human capital to run the plant is considered to be possibly the most critical success factor for the multi-billion dollar project. We are therefore most grateful for the generous grant from the USTDA towards the training of some of the operators needed to successfully operate and maintain our Greenfield 650,000 bpd capacity refinery at Lekki,” Dangote said.v

Dangote’s Greenfield Petroleum Refinery to

Commence Operations in 2018

R-l, Deputy Director, United States Trade and Development Agency, Ms. Enoh T. Ebong; Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; President UOP, Mr. Rajeev Gautam; Acting United States Consul General, Ms. Dehab Ghebreab; and Chief of the Economic Section, U.S. Embassy, Alan Tousignant; during the signing of a training grant agreement for the Dangote Oil Refining Company in Lagos on Thursday July 30, 2015. Photo Credit: Ayo Durodola

During Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the United States, the

U.S. Trade and Development Agency on July 21 signed a grant to Quaint Global Energy Solutions for a solar power project currently being built in northern Nigeria.

“This project is a great example of how the U.S. and Nigeria are working together to increase electricity access under President Obama’s Power Africa initiative,” said USTDA Director Leocadia I. Zak, who signed the grant agreement with Quaint’s President, Mobolaji W. Durodola. “By working together on projects like this one, we can ensure that more Nigerians have access to renewable energy.”

“USTDA’s support is a step in the right direction for the development of much-needed clean and renewable energy capacity for Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa,” said Mr. Durodola. “Quaint is happy to receive this grant and is committed to adding value, talent and energy into the Nigerian power sector.”

Quaint is a Nigerian company specifically organized to develop renewable power projects. It is working with a U.S. energy project developer, Tetra Tech ES, Inc. (Pasadena, California), on a feasibility study to determine the best technical configurations for the project. This effort will bring 50 megawatts of much-needed clean, affordable energy to Kaduna State. It also has the potential to leverage over $160 million in public and private capital.

The USTDA-sponsored feasibility study will include the development

of initial costing for the project’s engineering, procurement and construction, as well as the preparation of an operations and maintenance scope and budget. In addition, Tetra Tech will provide training for Quaint employees to support the company’s capacity to develop and operate the project.

USTDA’s partnership with Quaint supports the goals of Power Africa, a U.S. government-led initiative to increase electricity access across sub-Saharan Africa.v

Gives Nigeria's Energy Sector a Boost

Two years after the launch of Power Africa, several U.S. government departments and

agencies have fulfilled their original five-year Power Africa commitments and have announced expanded Power Africa commitments. One of these is the Quaint Global Energy Solutions, a solar power project in Northern Nigeria.

• The Overseas Private

Investment Corporation (OPIC) expects to exceed its original $1.5 billion commitment by the end of 2015, which is expected to mobilize an additional $1.4 billion in private capital. OPIC has announced an additional $1 billion commitment through 2018.

• The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) expects to commit nearly $2 billion by the end of 2015, nearly doubling its original $1 billion

Power Africa: Delivering on U.S. Government Commitment


CROSSROADS | August - September 2015 Special Edition 11CROSSROADS | August - September 2015 Special Edition 11

commitment. MCC is implementing power compacts in Ghana and Malawi, and is developing energy sector programs in Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.

• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has placed over 25 advisors across sub-Saharan Africa who are tracking over 24,000 MW of projects for potential support and providing technical support to improve the enabling environment for private sector investment. USAID, through its Development Credit Authority, has mobilized $171 million in private finance in support of power projects, with a pipeline of over $300 million in new projects.

• The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has provided over $17 million towards 29 projects that are expected to add over 660 MW to the continent’s power supply and leverage an anticipated $3.8 billion in private and public financing, or over $200 for every $1 spent. USTDA plans to commit an additional $10 million in project planning assistance to help early-stage clean energy projects achieve financial close and implementation.

• The U.S. Africa Development Foundation (USADF), in partnership with USAID and GE Africa, has exceeded its $2 million commitment, awarding 28 grants for a total of $2.8 million in grant support in Rounds I and II of the Power Africa Off-

Grid Energy Challenge. USADF is unleashing the power of local African entrepreneurs to test business models utilizing renewable energy for productive uses, from micro-grids to biogas and more.

• The U.S. Department of Energy is expanding the Clean Energy Solutions Center which is connecting policymakers in Africa with energy experts around the world, as well as expanding technical training for government officials in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya on geothermal, and on as natural gas in East Africa.

• The U.S. Department of State is providing technical assistance and is working with African governments to promote and advance regulatory and policy reforms that stimulate private investment in the power sector.

Power Africa’s initial $7 billion commitment has already mobilized more than $20 billion in private sector commitments to invest in power generation and distribution across Sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa’s public sector partners, including the African Development Bank, the World Bank Group and the Government of Sweden have collectively committed an additional $9 billion in support of Power Africa. On July 14th, the European Union (EU) and Power Africa announced a new partnership at the Financing for Development Conference, through which the EU committed to fund more than $2.8 billion in sustainable energy activities across sub-Saharan Africa.v

Power Africa creates great opportunities for young entrepreneurs to realize their business dreams in moving the nation forward.

Power Africa’s initial $7 billion commitment has already mobilized more

than $20 billion in private sector commitments to

invest in power generation and distribution across Sub-

Saharan Africa.

The B1/B2 non-immigrant visa can be used to enter the United States for

medical treatment. To qualify for a B1/B2 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have ties that will compel them to return to their home country after a temporary visit to the United States. Ties can be demonstrated in many ways, though professional, employment, educational, family, and social linkages to the home country are most common.

In addition, applicants travelling to the United States for medical care must also demonstrate the ability to pay for medical treatment, as well as for other expenses incurred in the United States, such as lodging, transportation, and meals. While the United States provides some of the best medical care in the world, it is also expensive and, contrary to popular belief, no medical treatment for foreigners is free.

Applicants should provide the following documentation to support their medical travel claims:• Evidence of a condition for which a Nigerian physician recommends treatment in the United States;• Evidence of an appointment with a physician or hospital that will treat the proposed traveller;• Estimates of the total cost of treatment from the physician or hospital;• Evidence of pre-payment or other payment arrangements with the proposed doctor or hospital; and

• Evidence of your medical condition to aid the consular officer in determining your purpose of travel.

While there is no set list of documents that will guarantee visa approval, anything that adds credibility to your visa application assists us in making a decision. Unfortunately, many visa applicants attempt to conceal their medical plans, including pregnancies, out of fear that this information will

Medical Treatment in the U.S.Is it Possible?

Document Pick-up Locations.ABUJADHL,63 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent,Wuse II,Abuja – Nigeria. Call Center no.: 01-440-6218 E m a i l : s u p p o r t - n i g e r i a @

ustraveldocs.com Website: http://www.ustraveldocs.

com/ng Business Hours: Working hours are from 0800 to

1230 hrs; 1330 to 1600 hrs. Monday To Friday except declared

Nigerian and U.S. Holidays.

LAGOSGSS Document Collection Center, DHL. Plot 230 Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island.

GSS Document Collection CenterDHL House. New Airport Road

JunctionApapa Oshodi Expressway, Isolo

Call Center no.: 01-440-6218 E m a i l : s u p p o r t - n i g e r i a @


com/ng Business Hours: Working hours are from 0800 to 1230

hrs; 1330 to 1600 hrs. Monday To Friday except declared

Nigerian and U.S. Holidays.

Location Map (PDF 113KB)

PORT HARCOURTGSS Document Collection Center DHL, 82 Trans Amadi – Ellah Estate, by Bewac Junction Port Harcourt,

Nigeria

Call Center no.: 01-440-6218 E m a i l : s u p p o r t - n i g e r i a @


com/ng Business Hours: Working hours are

from 0800 to 1230 hrs; 1330 to 1600 hrs. Monday To Friday except declared Nigerian and U.S. Holidays. v

Did You Know?

prevent them from receiving a visa. In reality, concealing the purpose of travel is much more likely to result in a denied application.

The credibility of an applicant is one factor that U.S. immigration officials both at the visa interview and at the U.S. port of entry evaluate before rendering a decision. Concealing or providing misleading information concerning purpose of travel and medical plans in the United States demonstrates that the information


Consular Corner


Consul General Hawkins in his welcome address listed some successes attributable to close collaboration between Nigerian officials and their American counterparts, noting that the containment of the Ebola Virus Disease was a case in point.

Former Commonwealth Secretary General Emeka Anyaoku; current and former state governors, including Rochas Okorocha, Adams Oshiomhole, Rotimi Amaechi; and leading traditional rulers like the Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; were some of the guests who graced the Independence Day celebrations in Abuja and Lagos.

One of the high points of the event was a presentation by award-winning writer Chimamanda Adichie who read excerpts from her novel Americanah.v

provided about the trip is not credible and, as a result, U.S. immigration officials will find that the visa will not be used properly. In simple terms, being pregnant or having a medical condition will not necessarily preclude you from receiving a visa, but concealing information about your intent to seek medical care, including pre-natal care and childbirth, in the United States almost certainly will. Even worse, in many instances the misleading information can result in the revocation of your current visa and a ban on all future travel to the

United States.

Travel for medical purposes is a perfectly legitimate use of a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa, but the burden lies with the applicant to

demonstrate qualifications for the visa. Consular officers around the world work to ensure that non-immigrant visa applicants have every opportunity to demonstrate their ability and willingness to comply with U.S. immigration law. Applicants who present a coherent and supportable application, who can clearly explain their purpose of travel,

and who can demonstrate ties to their home country to a consular officer should have no problem having a visa application approved.

Happy and Healthy Travelling! v

Americans, Nigerians, Celebrate July Fourth (cont'd from page 2)

Consul General Hawkins welcomes Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu

Ambassador Entwistle welcomes guests in Lagos


On July 31, Ambassador James F. Entwistle took to Facebook to respond to questions

from Nigerians on the significance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent visit to the United States and the future of U.S. engagement with Nigeria.

Ambassador Entwistle answered a variety of questions, such as those related to the Leahy Law, stolen funds, same-sex marriage, and counterterrorism.

“As I’ve said before, the Leahy amendment does not impede effective counterterrorism. Rather, respect for human rights and protecting the civilian population makes for more effective counterterrorism,” Ambassador Entwistle responded via Facebook. Ambassador Entwistle applauded the nature of the questions. “The wide range of questions illustrates just how diverse and rich the bilateral relationship is between our two great democracies,” he said. President Barack Obama hosted President Buhari on July 20 at the White House. President Buhari also met with Vice President Biden and Secretary Kerry during his visit to Washington.

For full details of the discussion, visit the U.S. Embassy’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/usembassynigeria/posts/10153551264499874

Ambassador Entwistle Engages Nigerians on Facebook

Ambassador James Entwistle answers questions on a Facebook chat with Nigerians, July 31. Photo: U.S. Embassy - Sani Mohammed


On July 16, 2015, the U.S. Embassy Abuja held a pre-departure orientation

for 134 Nigerian students who have admissions and scholarships to various U.S. colleges and universities this fall. The departing students have been accepted for undergraduate and graduate degree programs at top notch U.S. institutions, such as the University of California Berkeley, Amherst College, Tufts University, Bryn Mawr College, Vassar College, Smith College, University of Texas A&M, and New York University, among others. These students got their admissions and scholarships through membership in the EducationUSA Advising Center in Abuja. They have collectively received more than $3.5million in scholarships, including seven full MasterCard

Foundation scholarships totalling $394,248.The MasterCard Foundation scholarship recipients will be studying in the University of California Berkeley, Arizona State University, and Earth University in Costa Rica. Talking to the departing students, U.S. Mission Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Maria Brewer told them that they will be joining a large community of Nigerian alumni who have studied in the United States. “These exchanges benefit both our nations. Nigerians are recognized for the quality and the diligence of their scholarship,” she said. She encouraged the students to continue this tradition of Nigerian excellence in the United States. There are more than 7,900 Nigerian students studying at more than 730 colleges and universities in

the United States. The pre-departure orientation is part of EducationUSA’s larger service to Nigerian students, providing students the opportunity to get updated information on studying and living in the United States. The EducationUSA Advising Center provides current information on study in the United States to interested undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate students and also runs a membership program that registers interested students who have the prerequisite academic and financial means to study in the United States. Additionally, the center assists talented, economically disadvantaged, straight “A” students identify and apply to U.S. colleges and universities that will offer them admission with full scholarships through the Opportunity Funds Program and United States Achievers Program.v

U.S. Mission Chargé d'affaires ad interim Maria Brewer with recipients of the USAP grants. Embassy - photo by Sani Mohammed

Nigerian Students Receive More than $3.5Million ScholarshipsEducationUSA:


The United States Government is collaborating with the

Government of Nigeria at the federal, state and local levels to execute a set of humanitarian and transitional activities in Northeastern Nigeria totaling $84.1 million. These activities are funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID.

Current and forthcoming activities will provide services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northeast Nigeria; strengthen food

security and water policy; expand the reach and effectiveness of health and education initiatives; and improve government capacity and performance.

USAID efforts in the northeast are focused in the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe. In the Federal Capital Territory, Nassarawa, Benue, Kaduna and Kano States USAID is providing training to improve livelihoods of IDPs and their host communities. These programs targets over two hundred and forty thousand

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across nine states in northern Nigeria as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Detailed Sector activities

Humanitarian AssistanceSince September 2014, USAID has supported aid to conflict-affected populations in northeastern Nigeria. USAID and its partners work closely with Nigeria’s national and state emergency management agencies to improve data collection, monitoring, and information dissemination for

U.S. Government Reaches Out to IDPs Improves Government Capacity in Northeastern Nigeria

Ambassador James Entwistle observes a baby born in camp at the Yola IDP center - photo credit: Idika Onyukwu

CROSSROADS | August - September 2015 Special Edition 17CROSSROADS | August - September 2015 Special Edition 17

humanitarian programs assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as tracking of other population movements. All humanitarian assistance programs will be extended into a second year.

In Yobe State, USAID is improving targeted populations’ access to relief items and water and sanitation services. USAID’s implementing partner is also increasing vulnerable people’s purchasing power while protecting and restoring livelihoods.

This activity aims to assist more than 35,000 people, of whom half are estimated to be IDPs.

In Borno State, USAID is providing psychosocial support for girls and women who escaped Boko Haram captivity and escapees’ family members. In addition, USAID is providing critical humanitarian multi-sectoral assistance such as non-food items, shelter, WASH, economic recovery recovery and nutrition using market-sensitive and capacity building approaches.

In Adamawa State, USAID is supporting critical humanitarian

assistance, including gender-based violence prevention and treatment services; water, sanitation and health (WASH) services, and emergency relief commodities, for IDPs and other vulnerable households. The activity aims to reach 62,000 people, including approximately 23,250 IDPs.

In Gombe State, a 15-month activity aims to improve economic resilience and food security among conflict-affected populations by

strengthening populations’ capacity to meet basic needs. The activity targets nearly 94,000 people, of whom approximately 56,270 are IDPs. Since October 1, 2014, USAID provided $11.2 million in food assistance to support approximately 69,500 individuals in Gombe, Yobe and Adamawa States. Displaced populations and host community members are provided with cash or food vouchers to help meet their immediate food needs, supported by sensitization and nutrition messaging. The programs target geographic areas based on the

$40.9 million • Health, protection, and non-food assistance support for IDPs and host communities • Humanitarian data collection and monitoring tracking internally displaced persons • Humanitarian coordination, information sharing, and training of government and non-governmental staff on humanitarian technical abilities • Emergency food assistance and nutrition messaging to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations. Cash and voucher programming meets immediate food needs, increases dietary diversity, and prevents malnutrition in children • Psycho-social counselling for escapees from Boko Haram captivity and their families

Health $10.5 Million • UN Grants: Health commodities and supplies are managed through UN agencies for emergency medical support, Routine immunization, polio eradication programs, and services that includes psycho-social care and support for IDPs

Education $22.8 Million • Education Crisis Response – Provides informal educational opportunities for IDP children and host communities • Safe Schools Initiative – Focuses on bolstering the physical protection of schools. • Award to American University of Nigeria, Yola – Focuses of providing literacy and numeracy education to children of internally displaced and host community families in Yola

Transitional Assistance $9.9 Million.

17

R-l,: Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam, Governor Kashim

Shettima of Borno State, Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Mohammed

Umaru Jibrilla and Ambassador James F. Entwistle - photo by Sani

Mohammed.

Overview of U.S. Government Humanitarian

and Food Assistance Program


IDP caseload and their impact on host communities, prioritizing households with IDPs, pregnant/lactating women and children under the age of five. Under Food Assistance ($39 million), vouchers-for-work will be featured as a second phase of the intervention to help rebuild and strengthen community assets. These activities are expected to run for approximately one year.

USAID provided psycho-social first aid for women and young girls abducted by Boko Haram, including girls from the town of Chibok. Christian and Muslim women use the skills received during training to help traumatized individuals and the wider communities. In collaboration with federal and state governments and the International Organization for Migration, treatment and services are available to trauma victims. In addition to the practical healing process, participants are helping citizens in the northeast manage the effects of trauma and stress.

Transitional AssistanceIn 2014, USAID launched the North-East Regional Transition Initiative to improve stability and strengthen democratic institutions in northeast Nigeria. The initiative focuses on building the resistance of communities vulnerable to the effects of the Boko Haram insurgency, weak governance, and insecurity by increasing positive engagement between government and communities, increasing access to credible information; and supporting activities to reduce youth vulnerability to recruitment to illegal armed groups.

Health USAID’s HIV/AIDs program is working to provide comprehensive provision of health care services including HIV, to the general public. USAID’s ongoing support to Nigeria’s Polio Elimination Program has continued to reach all children under age five in every northern Nigerian state. In Borno and Yobe states, the polio program focuses on municipalities with low polio immunization coverage.

USAID is also strengthening the delivery of primary health care and in the region. We partner with UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO in collaboration with the Commissioners of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Commissioners of Local Government Areas to improve antenatal care and deliveries, newborn care, routine immunization, malaria prevention, diagnostic and treatment services, and other common child health illnesses in communities hosting IDPs. This includes $10 million provided by USAID to UN agencies and the WHO for emergency medical support and $5.6 million for care and treatment services. In addition to clinic-based services, community-based interventions provide all pregnant women, newborns and children under age five with life-saving essential medicines, long-lasting insecticide treated nets, and referrals to primary health care centers.

A new activity began in early 2015 to improve the routine immunization strengthening interventions in Bauchi state USAID, in partnership with the

Government of Bauchi State, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is improving routine immunization service coverage and use for all children under five in that state.

EducationUSAID’s Education Crisis Response activity provides $15 million in assistance to young IDPs and other youth whose education has been disrupted by Boko Haram violence in host communities. Activities provide continuity to education, improve the quality of teaching and learning, increase equitable access, stabilize institutional capacity to deliver education, and integrate peacebuilding and safety into school communities.

The Safe Schools Initiative, a multi-donor effort, will focus on school and community interventions, with special measures for the most at-risk and vulnerable children. The initiative will rehabilitate or rebuild schools damaged in the Boko Haram conflict, while also helping communities to promote safe zones for education, consisting of teachers, parents, police, community leaders and young people themselves. In the longer-term, the initiative will focus on bolstering the physical protection of schools, providing school guards and police in partnership with Nigerian authorities, training staff as school safety officers, providing communications tools and school counsellors.

American University of Nigeria (AUN) is using their existing Student Empowerment through Language, Literacy, and Arithmetic, STELLAR, program to improve literacy and


numeracy for vulnerable children, at-risk children, and orphans of IDPs and the host communities in Yola. The STELLAR program engages university students enrolled in service learning courses to write children’s books in English and local languages, and to tutor children in reading and mathematics after school. Under this USAID-funded grant, STELLAR will be expanded to include radio instruction, setup of learning centers and mobile classrooms to reach out and provide IDP beneficiaries with remote instruction via radio.

Kano States USAID is providing training to improve livelihoods of 20,000 IDPs and their host communities. The training covers the fundamentals of microenterprise as well as nutrition and hygiene best practices.

USAID supports the Famine Early Warning Systems Network to monitor the level of food security throughout Nigeria. Market price data of food commodities are collected and monitored in the northeastern states to ensure knowledge of possible emergencies.v

USAID Mission Director Michael T. Harvey (center) and UNFPA Country Representative Ratidzai Ndhlovu signing the grant document with Ambassador James F. Entwistle as witness - photo by Sani Mohammed

Economic growthIn Federal Capital Territory, Nassarawa, Benue, Kaduna and

Why All Hands Must Be on Deck to Completely Stop Human Trafficking in Nigeria

Human trafficking is referred to as Trafficking in Persons (TIP) or

modern day slavery. President Obama has called this modern slavery “a debasement of our common humanity.” Secretary John Kerry describes it as an insult to human dignity and an assaulton freedom. Whether we are talking about the sale of women and children by terrorists in the Middle East, the sex trafficking of girls lured from their homes in Benin City, Edo State, or the enslavement of fishermen in Southeast Asia, the victims of this crime each have a name. And they each have been robbed of their most basic human rights. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are over 20 million victims worldwide. We all need to be part of the solution. Here are seven reasons why we should be involved.

1. Trafficking in Persons or modern day slavery exists in Nigeria, and even in the United States.

2. Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking.

3. Victims may at first be willing participants, but can later become trafficking victims.

4. Migrant smuggling and human trafficking are distinct crimes, and the terms should not be conflated.

5. Natural disasters put vulnerable people at risk of human trafficking.

6. There can be intersections between environmental degradation and human trafficking, as well as between forced labor and sex trafficking.

7. The International Labor Organization estimates that the illegal profits made from forced labor in the private global economy amount to $150.2 billion per year.

Read the 2015 Trafficking in Persons report at: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/245365.pdf

eJournalsEJ|USA: Strategic Moves: Using Smart Sanctions in

the 21st CenturyThe U.S. uses sanctions to alter the behavior of bad actors and tries to minimize any harm to general populations. Learn how sanctions work. Plus interna-tional entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, winning female coaches and what it means to be cool. Available in:HTML: http://1.usa.gov/1NTKf53 PDF: http://1.usa.gov/1i0ZPSh (16MB)

Visit UsWhitney M. Young Information Resource Center

Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria

Telephone: 01-460-3400Fax: 01-1-261-2218

E-mail: [email protected]

9:00 a.m-3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday9:00 a.m.-12 noon Friday

To get on the mailing list, send an e-mail to [email protected]; [email protected] or [email protected]

Rosa Parks CenterPublic Affairs Section, U.S. EmbassyPlot 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central District Area Abuja, NigeriaTelephone: 09-461-4000 Fax: 0-9-461-4011E-Mail: [email protected] Visit us at:http://nigeria.usembassy.govOpen9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday

EducationUSA/Information ResourcesAbuja -- Lagos

President Obama Praises Young Africans for driving progress“Africans are beginning to leapfrog old technologies into new prosperity,” President Obama recently told a gathering of young

African leaders in Washington. “The continent [of Africa] has achieved historic gains in health, from fighting HIV/AIDS to making childbirth safer for women and babies. Millions have been lifted from extreme poverty. So this is extraordinary progress,” Obama said. He was speaking to members of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, who had travelled to the nation’s capital where they net worked with business leaders, officials and each other. The fellowship brings promising young African adults to U.S. universities for six weeks of study in business, civic leadership and public management.

The resources highlighted below are available at the Information Resource Centers in Abuja and Lagos. To register as a member, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/ircregistration and for all enquiries, please write to: [email protected] (North) and [email protected]

The EducationUSA Advising Centers in Abuja and Lagos provide quality, timely, accurate, unbiased information about all accredited U.S. higher education institutions for persons wishing to study in the United States. For

more information about EducationUSA and study opportunities in the United States, please visit: http://www.educationusa.state.gov

Educational Advising Centers Locations: Abuja:Embassy of the United States of America, Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja. Telephone: 234-09-4614251/4241/4257; Fax: 234-09-4614334/4010; E-mail: [email protected]. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/educationusa.abuja Lagos:U.S. Consulate General, Public Affairs Section,2 Walter Carrington Crescent; Victoria Island-Lagos.Telephone: 01-460-3400/2724/2725/3801/3802E-mail: [email protected] At EducationUSA, counsellors assist clients to:

- select and apply to appropriate U.S. institutions- provide information on

standardized tests required for admission such as TOEFL, SAT, GRE and GMAT- help students understand what life will be like in a new environment and culture. Visit any of our centers today.

Do You Want to Study in the United States?

Documents

Inside This - USEmbassy.gov...Council for Boko Haram, which were approved and took effect on May 22, 2014. These designations prohibit arms sales, freeze assets, restrict movement,